Tamiya 35175 - 1:35 British Universal Carrier Mk.II

1:35 plastic model kit of the British Universal Carrier Mk.II light tracked carrier

The Universal Carrier, universally known as the “Bren Carrier”, was one of the most widely produced armoured vehicles in history – small, open and unassuming, yet present on every front where British and Commonwealth troops fought. Tamiya 35175 reproduces the Mk.II in 1:35 scale, a 1994 release based on a 1976 mould.

The model captures the vehicle’s open, angular shape with a detailed fighting compartment interior. A real strength of the kit is its figure content: five figures, three in European kit and two in desert kit, allowing scenes from two completely different theatres to be built. Vinyl belt tracks keep the running gear simple.

What’s in the box:

• Plastic sprues with hull and equipment parts
• Vinyl belt tracks
• Five figures: three in European kit and two in desert kit
• Waterslide decal sheet for 5 marking options (British and Canadian units)
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:35
• Product number: 35175
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model length: approx. 104 mm
• Skill level: beginner

Note: This kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

This is a small, quick build – ideal as a first armour kit or as the basis for a compact diorama. The interior is the key: on an open vehicle it stays fully visible, so it is worth painting it and picking out the details with a wash before the structure is closed up. The figures are best painted separately, off the model.

The two base schemes are a European vehicle in dark green (Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab makes a good starting point) and a desert vehicle in sand yellow (e.g. XF-59 Desert Yellow); the instructions give paint codes for all five options. Applying decals over a gloss coat is recommended to reduce silvering, and a matt varnish suits the final finish. Pigments will help suggest desert dust or the mud of European roads.

Tools you will need:

• Sprue cutters
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in a range of sizes, including fine ones for figures
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to accentuate details and recesses
• Optional: pigments for dust and mud effects

About the vehicle – Universal Carrier:

The Universal Carrier was developed in the 1930s as a small, cheap and versatile tracked vehicle for carrying machine gun teams. The concept proved so successful that it went into mass production in Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – well over a hundred thousand were built, making it one of the most numerous armoured vehicles ever produced.

The nickname “Bren Carrier” came from the Bren light machine gun whose crews it most often carried. In practice its roles were far broader: transporting mortars and ammunition, evacuating casualties, reconnaissance, towing light anti-tank guns and bringing supplies forward under fire. Its light armour protected against splinters and small arms fire, while the open compartment made it easy to dismount quickly.

Carriers served from the French campaign of 1940 through North Africa and Italy to Normandy and Western Europe, as well as in the Far East. After the war they remained in use with many armies for years.

Original vehicle specifications (Universal Carrier):

• Length: approx. 3.65 m
• Width: approx. 2.06 m
• Weight: approx. 3.7 t
• Crew: 3–5 (depending on role)
• Powerplant: Ford V8 engine, 85 hp
• Top speed: approx. 48 km/h
• Role: carrying machine gun and mortar teams, supply transport, towing light guns
• Production: one of the most widely produced armoured vehicles in history

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The company originally traded in timber and moved on to wooden models in the late 1940s. Its first plastic model kit appeared in 1960, and two years later came its first 1:35 tank – the scale that, thanks to Tamiya, became the worldwide standard for military modelling. The brand is known for precise injection moulds, outstanding parts fit and clear instructions, which is why its kits are equally popular with beginners and experienced modellers. The Military Miniature Series, to which this kit belongs, runs to hundreds of releases covering vehicles, artillery and figures from around the world. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, cements, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.